Pet Restraint Harness System for Vehicles

ABSTRACT

A pet restraint harness system for use in a vehicle may be installed in a rear or front passenger seat. The restraint system includes a harness fastened about the pet and a restraint framework fastened about the seat and, in some configurations, to manufacturer latch points provided in the vehicle. The restraint framework includes a vertical strap positioned against the seatback and one or more lateral straps attached to the vertical strap to resist lateral movement, vertical movement, or both. One end of the vertical strap and the lateral straps may attach to the manufacturer latch locations. Alternatively, ends of the vertical and lateral straps may attach to each other about the seat. At least two restraining straps are attached to the vertical strap, the lateral straps, or among the combination of both. The restraining straps are configured to attach to an animal&#39;s collar, to a harness, or both.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C.§119(e) of U.S. provisional application No. 61/278,753 filed 13 Oct.2009 entitled “Animal vehicle harness restraint system,” which is herebyincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The technology disclosed herein relates to passenger restraint devicesfor vehicles and, more specifically, to pet restraint devices forautomobiles.

BACKGROUND

Pets frequently accompany their owners in automobiles, for example tripsto the veterinarian, trips around town, or even on vacations. Someowners keep the pets in the back seat of their automobile while othersallow their pets to sit in the front passenger seat. Automobileaccidents are a potential hazard of driving. Most automobiles includerestraint systems to protect the human occupants from substantialinjuries if the vehicle is in an accident. However, automobiles do notinclude similar restraint systems for pets, such as dogs. Therefore, ifa pet is accompanying an owner when the vehicle is in an accident thepet may be thrown throughout the vehicle and be injured. Further,unrestrained pets may actually be the cause of accidents if theyinterfere with the operation of the vehicle by the driver, e.g., bysitting in the driver's lap or jumping on the driver in attempts toinvestigate attractions outside of and within the vehicle.

The information included in this Background section of thespecification, including any references cited herein and any descriptionor discussion thereof, is included for technical reference purposes onlyand is not to be regarded subject matter by which the scope of theinvention is to be bound.

SUMMARY

A pet restraint harness system is designed in various embodimentsdisclosed herein to provide comfortable restraint to animals (generallydogs or cats, but it can be modified in dimension to accommodate othertypes of animals) while riding in the rear or front passenger seat of anautomobile or other vehicle. The system includes a restraint deviceincluding at least one vertical strap, the vertical strap is configuredto secure the device to locations within the vehicle. For example, ringsinstalled within the vehicle for securing child seats. The verticalstrap may be attached to at least one restraining strap. The restrainingstrap includes a clasp or hook which may then be connected to ananimal's collar or harness.

Other embodiments may include an animal restraint system including aharness and a restraining device having a vertical strap and arestraining strap. The vertical strap may rest vertically along aportion of a seat within the vehicle. The vertical strap includes afirst attachment mechanism for securing the vertical strap to a firstlocation within the vehicle. The restraining strap may be operablyattached to the vertical strap. The restraining strap includes a clasp.The harness is configured to operably attach to the animal restraintdevice. The harness includes a body configured to wrap at leastpartially around a portion of an animal. A first belt and a second beltoperably attached to the body. The first belt and second belt areconfigured to secure the body around the portion of the animal. Theharness also includes an attachment mechanism operably connected to thefirst belt and configured to operably attach to the clasp on therestraining strap.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. A moreextensive presentation of features, details, utilities, and advantagesof the present invention is provided in the following writtendescription of various embodiments of the invention, illustrated in theaccompanying drawings, and defined in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of the pet restraint systeminstalled about a back seat of a vehicle with manufacturer latch pointsdepicting a dog secured to a framework via a harness.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the pet restraint system of FIG. 1 withthe dog positioned facing another direction.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the pet restraint system of FIG. 1 withthe dog removed.

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a second embodiment of the pet restraintsystem framework installed on a bucket seat of a vehicle having aremovable headrest.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a third embodiment of the pet restraintsystem framework installed on a bucket seat of a vehicle having acontinuous seatback.

FIG. 6 is a top isometric view of a harness that may be used incombination with the pet restraint system depicting the front of theharness oriented toward the top of the page.

FIG. 7 is a front isometric view of a fourth embodiment of a petrestraint system installed on a back seat of a vehicle.

FIG. 8 is a rear isometric view of a booster that may be used incombination with the pet restraint system.

FIG. 9A is an isometric view of a first connector that may be used withthe pet restraint system and/or the harness.

FIG. 9B is a side elevation view of the first connector illustrated inFIG. 9A.

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a second connector that may be used withthe pet restraint system and/or the harness.

FIG. 11 is a front elevation view of a third connector that may be usedwith the pet restraint system and/or the harness.

FIG. 12 is a front elevation view of a fourth connector that may be usedwith the pet restraint system and/or the harness.

FIG. 13 is an isometric view of a first embodiment of a latch hook thatmay be used with the pet restraint system and/or the harness.

FIG. 14 is an isometric view of a second embodiment of a latch hook thatmay be used with the pet restraint system and/or the harness.

FIG. 15 is an isometric view of a fifth connector that may be used withthe pet restraint system and/or harness.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various implementations of a pet restraint system disclosed herein maybe configured for use in either the front or the back passenger seats ofa vehicle. In each of these embodiments, the system includes a verticalstrap that extends along and over the top of the seatback. One end ofthe vertical strap may be attached to a manufacturer latch location onthe top of the seatback or behind the rear seat in the vehicle via anslide hook or other mechanism. For example, vehicles sold in the UnitedStates since 2002 include loop anchors located variously within the seatbight or crack of the rear seat, on the top of the rear seat, or on thefloor of vehicle behind the back seat. These anchors are provided tosecure child safety seats within the vehicle. The other end of thevertical strap may attach to two angled straps as the vertical strapruns down the front of the back seat. These two angled straps may besecured together in a variety of locations, preventing either strap fromsliding away from the other. The device may also include securing orrestraining straps having attachment mechanisms configured to connect toan animal's collar, harness, etc., securing the animal to the seat. Forexample, the attachment mechanisms or connection devices may be hooks,latches or clips that attach to a ring or other device on the pet'scollar or harness. In these embodiments, the restraint system may besecured to the vehicle via the vertical strap and the angled straps.This helps to ensure that the restraint system does not substantiallymove within the vehicle. Additionally, each strap may be separatelyadjustable, allowing the restraint system to be used in multiple typesof vehicles (and seats) as well as with multiple types of animals.

In other embodiments, the pet restraint system may include a verticalstrap that extends over the front or back seat of a vehicle. In theseembodiments, the vertical strap may extend over the top of the seatbackas well as under the seatback (between the top and bottom cushions).Thus, the vertical strap may wrap around the seatback, securing therestraint system to the vehicle. The vertical strap may be tightenedaround the seatback and/or may connect to a securing location under theseat. For example, the back seat of the vehicle may include hooks, orthe bottom of the seat may include a bar, to which the attachmentmechanisms on the vertical strap may be attached. Also, the verticalstrap may be adjustable and may be shortened or lengthened. This allowsthe system to better fit the seat, and thus be bettered secured to thevehicle. The system may also include horizontal or securing strapsattached to the vertical strap. These straps may also be separatelyadjustable, and each strap includes an attachment mechanism and/orconnection/securing device. The attachment mechanisms may be used tosecure the restraint system to a collar or harness of the animal. Theremay be multiple securing straps, depending on the level of animalmovement desired to be prevented.

Furthermore, these embodiments may additionally include headrest strapsfor better securing the system to the headrest of vehicle. For example,some front seats may include a separate headrest, e.g., a headrest thatincludes posts used to raise and lower the headrest. In theseembodiments, post straps may be configured to warp around the posts. Thepost straps secure the restraint system on the posts when the headrestis in place on top of the front seat. In vehicles without headrests, thevertical strap may be configured to travel over the top of the seatbackand connected to a horizontal strap at locations on the front of thevehicle seat and at the back of the vehicle seat. The horizontal strapswrap around the sides of the seatback attaching to the vertical strap atthe front and back of the seatback. This allows the vertical strap to besecured around the seatback and resist slipping vertically andsubstantially preventing the restraint system from moving around on thefront seat.

In other embodiments, a harness for use with the restraint system isdisclosed. The harness is secured to the animal, and provides attachmentpoints/locations to attach the animal to the restraint system. Forexample, the harness may include rings to which the clips/hooks of therestraint system may be attached. In some embodiments, the harness mayinclude a body that is secured around the animal through belting orother straps. The straps may wrap around and meet at a singular point,which may be configured to be the chest of the animal (when wearing theharness). Additionally, the harness may include multiple adjustablemechanisms such that the harness may be used on a variety of animals andbreeds. The harness may also be used separately from the pet restraintdevice. For example, a leash may be attached to the rings and/or otherconnection devices.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a first embodiment of a pet restraint system100 installed in a back seat 113 of a vehicle to secure a pet, e.g., adog 119 to the back seat 113. FIG. 3 illustrates the first embodiment ofthe pet restraint system 100 with the dog 119 removed. The pet restraintsystem 100 may be used to secure an animal such as the dog 119, a cat orthe like, or other objects (e.g., boxes, crates, bags, etc.) to thevehicle. For example, the restraint system 100 could attach in a similarmanner to the way illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 to a box or crate withanchor hardware or structures.

The pet restraint system 100 includes framework composed of a verticalstrap 130 and two lateral or angled straps 112 connected together. Theangled straps 112 extend laterally downward from a bottom end of thevertical strap 130. The combination of the vertical strap 130 and theangled straps 112 secures the pet restraint system 100 to the vehicle.Each of the vertical strap 112 and angled straps 130 may be secured tothe vehicle at different locations. The system 100 also includes asecuring strap 122 which may be used to secure an animal to the system100. The securing strap 122 may be attached to the vertical strap 130and/or the angled straps 112. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, thesecuring strap 122 is looped through a tether buckle 128 or similaradjustment device and then fixedly connected with itself and the angledstraps at a conjunction of the top ends of the angled straps 112. Inthis embodiment, the securing strap 122 is sewn to itself as well as thetop ends of each of the angled straps 112. In some embodiments, thebottom ends of the angled straps 112 may be threaded through an slidehook 116 that is also used to secure the dog 119 to the system 100.

The vertical strap 130 secures the top of the system 100 to a point onor behind the seatback 113. As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the verticalstrap 130 may extend over the top of the seat 113 and downwards,connecting to an anchor structure 107 located on the floor of thevehicle. This secures the system 100 vertically, substantiallypreventing the system 100 from sliding off of the seat 113. The top endof the vertical strap 130 may be operably connected to an slide hook 116or similar clasp, which connects the vertical strap 130 to a connectionlocation within the vehicle. The connection location may be an anchorstructure 107, e.g., in the form of a ring, eye, hook, rung, or similarstructure, mounted on the floor of the vehicle behind the seatback 113.In other embodiments, the vertical strap 130 may be secured to amanufacturer anchor structure 127 mounted on the top of the seatback 113or to a manufacturer anchor structure 129 mounted on the ceiling of thevehicle as shown in FIG. 3. The location of such anchor structures 107,127, 129 may depends on the vehicle model or configuration. The verticalstrap 130 may either travel over a top surface of the seatback 113 (asshown in FIGS. 1-3), or may have little or no contact with the topsurface of the seatback 113 (e.g., if the vertical strap 130 is securedto the anchor structure 129 located on the roof). In any embodiment, thevertical strap 130 secures the system 100 to a portion of the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the slide hook 116 is threaded or looped on the endof the vertical strap 130. Exemplary embodiments of such slide hooks areshown in greater detail in FIGS. 13 and 14, which are described ingreater detail herein below. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, anslide hook 116 with a single slot as shown in FIG. 13 is used and thevertical strap 130 is looped through the slot and sewn to itself topermanently couple the slide hook 116 to the loop in the vertical strap130. In other embodiments, a buckle hook 118 as shown in FIG. 14 mayinstead be used to adjustably couple the vertical strap 130 to thebuckle hook 118, allowing the user to shorten or lengthen the verticalstrap 130 from this location and thus adjusting the vertical position ofthe vertical strap 130 on the seatback 113. Adjusting the vertical strap130 may also increase or decrease the tension on the vertical strap 130.

In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, adjustment of the length ofthe vertical strap 130 may be provided at other locations. For example,the bottom end of the vertical strap 130 may be threaded through theslots in the tether buckle 128. The position of the tether buckle 128may be adjusted on the vertical strap 130 to extend or shorten thelength of the vertical strap 130 and thus alter the position of thevertical strap 130 with respect to the seatback 113. The position of thetether buckle 128 may be adjusted to reduce slack by shortening thelength of the vertical strap 130 between the tether buckle 128 and theanchor structure 107 in the vehicle.

The top ends of the two angled straps 112 are fixedly connected to eachother and to the securing strap 122 at an attachment point 111. The twoangled straps 112 are angled downwards from the attachment point 111 andlaterally apart from each other. The angled straps 112 providehorizontal strength and support for the system 100 along the seat 113.The two angled straps 112 travel down a front portion of the seat 113and then may be secured to the vehicle. For example, an slide hook 116may be threaded on the angled straps 112 to secure to anchor structures115 (e.g., rings, loops, eyes, clips, or hooks) in a crease or bight 104in the seat 102 at the intersection between the seatback 113 and thebottom cushion 117 and/or in other locations. Such anchor structures 115are provided in the seat bight 104 primarily for the purpose of securinga child safety seat in the vehicle.

Each slide hook 116 may slideably engage the angled strap 112 at anintermediate location along the length of each angled strap 112. Theslide hook 116 may have a single slot as depicted in FIG. 13 throughwhich the angled strap 112 freely slides as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.Alternatively, the buckle hook 118 of FIG. 14 with three slots may beused to prevents the angled straps 112 from freely slipping (if properlythreaded), thereby allowing the angled straps 112 to be secured tightlyagainst the seatback 113 by similarly placing tension on the verticalstrap 130 that is fixed to an anchor structure 107 at its top end. Theslide hook 116 thus secures the angled straps 112 to the seat 102.

Once the slide hooks 116 are connected to the anchor structures 115through the bight 104 in the seat 113, the free ends of the angledstraps 112 then may extend outward through bight 104. The free, lowerends of the angled straps 112 may then be secured to respective slidehooks 118 for attaching to the dog 119, thereby securing the dog 119 tothe system 100. In this implementation, the angled straps 112 slipfreely through the slots in the slide hooks 116, but the angled straps112 will generally remain under tension as the pet 119 tends to pullagainst the angled straps 112 when attached and otherwise will pullagainst them during a sudden stop of the vehicle.

Alternatively, in some embodiments each angled strap 112 may be formedof two separate straps. For example, a first strap may connect the petrestraint system 100 to the vehicle via an slide hook connected with ananchor structure 115 in the seat bight 104, and a second strap mayconnect from the anchor hook in the seat bight 104 to the pet.

A spacer strap 114 may additionally be fixedly connected between theangled straps 112 at a distance below the attachment point 111. Thespacer strap 114 helps maintain the lateral separation distance anddesired downward angle of the angled straps 112 in order to direct theangled straps 112 toward the anchor structures 115 concealed within theseat bight 104. The spacer strap 114 thereby also provides additionalsupport and structure to the two angled straps 112. For example, thespacer strap 114 prevents the angled straps 112 from slidinghorizontally along the seat 113 away from each other. However, in someembodiments, the spacer strap 114 may be omitted.

The buckle hook 118 is similar to the slide hook 116 as it includes ahook, clasp, or similar structure which may be operably connected to aring, eye, hook, or similar structure on a collar or harness on the pet119. However, instead of one slot, the buckle hook 118 has three slotsto allow the angled straps 112 to be held tightly in a fixed positionwhile still enabling the adjustment of length of the angled straps 112.This flexibility allows the angled straps 112 to better fit a variety ofvehicles seats and/or animals. For example, some vehicle seats may havea larger back portion of the seat and, in these cases, the angled straps112 may be lengthened to allow the straps 112 to secure into the seatbight and still secure to the dog 119. Further, the buckle hook 118allows the restraint system 100 to be used with animals of differentsizes and also allows the owner to provide the animal 119 with greateror lesser freedom to change positions while secured to the system 100.

In some embodiments, the buckle hooks 118 on the angled straps 122 maybe substituted for slide hooks 116. This exemplary configuration isshown in FIG. 3 with the left angled strap 112 having two buckle hooks118. One buckle hook 118 secures the angled strap 112 to the vehicle,while the other buckle hook 118 may be used to secure the dog 119 to thepet restraint system 100. In this embodiment, the pet restraint system100 may be tightly fastened against the seatback 113 and further allowfor adjustment of the length of the angled strap 112 for connection tothe dog 119. This may be used to enlarge or reduce the range of movementfor the dog 119 or to fit different sized pets for connection to the petrestraint system 100.

A securing strap 122 is connected to the tether buckle 128 and extendsdownward from the tether buckle 128 for use in securing the dog 119 (oranimal/object) to the system 100. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS.1-3, the securing strap 122 is threaded through a slot in the tetherbuckle 128 and the top end is then fixed (e.g., by sewing) to anintermediate location of the securing strap 122 to form a fixed loopconnection with the tether buckle 128. The securing strap 122 may be arelatively short strap as compared to the angled straps 112 and/orvertical strap 130. The securing strap 122 may be fixed to the tope endsof the two angled straps 112 at an attachment point 111 below the tetherbuckle 128. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, the same stitching used toform the loop in the securing strap 122 may additionally be used toattach the angled straps 112 to the securing strap 122. The loopconnection of the securing strap 122 with the tether buckle 128 providesthe connection between the angled straps 112 and the vertical strap 130.Alternatively, the vertical strap 130 and the securing strap 122 may beconnected in other ways or locations, or the vertical strap 130 may beconnected directly to the angled straps 112 and not to the securingstrap 122 at all.

The two angled straps 112 and/or the spacer strap 114 may be attached tothe securing strap 122 via stitching, staples, glue, clasps, or in anyother appropriate manner that provides the necessary connection strengthbetween the angled straps 112 and the securing strap 122. In someembodiments, the securing strap 122 may be an extension of the verticalstrap 130. In other embodiments, such as the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 1-3, the securing strap 122 may be a separate strap from thevertical strap 130. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, theremay be three straps secured at an attachment point 111 below the tetherbelt 128. This embodiment, the singular attachment point 111 for thesecuring strap 122 and the angled straps 112 provides strength andsupport for all of the straps 112, 122. However, there may be otherconfigurations. For example, an additional securing strap 121 as shownin FIG. 3 may also be connected at the attachment point 111 or otherlocation for use in securing a second animal. In such an implementation,one of the angled straps 112 may be attached to one of the animals andthe second angled strap 112 may be attached to the second animal.Additionally or alternatively, the angled straps 112 and/or the securingstrap 122 may be connected in other configurations or may not beconnected to each other.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the securing strap 122 loopsaround an slide hook 116 at its free end. The slide hook 116 connectsthe securing strap 122 to a collar, harness 200, or other location onthe dog 119 and/or object. As shown, the slide hook 116 may be securedwithin a fixed loop formed within the free end of the securing strap122, e.g., by sewing the end of the securing strap 122 to anintermediate location on the securing strap 122 after it loops throughthe slide hook 116. By using fixed connections on each end of thesecuring strap 122, the securing strap 122 is provided in a single,fixed length. This may help ensure that the animal 119 is positionedappropriately in the seat and is adequately restrained from interferingwith the driver. Adjustment for various sizes of animals may be made byraising or lowering the vertical position of the attachment point bychanging the lengths of the vertical strap 130 and the angled straps112. In an alternative embodiment, the securing strap 122 may beadjustable through the use of a buckle hook 118 to accommodate differentbreeds and/or sizes of animals.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the dog 119 is secured by three straps, thesecuring strap 122, and the two angled straps 112. In someimplementations there may be additional straps used to secure the animalto the system 100 (e.g., securing strap 121). This helps to prevent thedog 119 from substantially moving around while secured to the system100, either on its own or due to movements of the vehicle.

In some implementations the vertical strap 130, the angled straps 122,and the securing strap 122 may be made of the same material or differentmaterial from each other. The straps 112, 122, 130 may be made of wovenfabric belting, e.g., a woven nylon as used for seatbelts for vehiclesor straps for packs or tie-down belts. This material allows for therestraint system 100 to be strong, while additionally being lightweightand movable. For example, the restraint system 100 may be easily storedin a bag or packed in a drawer, purse, box, etc., as the straps 112,122, 130 may compress into a small volume. However, the straps 112, 122,130 may be made out of any strong flexible fabric, rope, cable or thelike.

Furthermore, the straps 112, 122, 130 allow the restraint system 100 toeasily adjust, accommodating a variety of vehicle seat sizes, as well asanimal breeds and sizes. This is because the length of the straps 112,122, 130 may be provided in a variety of sizes and/or adjustmentmechanisms, e.g., buckle hook 118 and tether buckles 128, may beprovided to allow for adjustment of each of the straps 112, 122, 130. Insome implementations, all of the straps 112, 122, 130 may be configuredto be adjustable. Further, although the straps 112, 122, 130 may beillustrated with a particular adjustment device, any suitable adjustmentdevice may be used.

The hooks 116, 118 may be configured to quickly release from theattachment points in the vehicle and from attachment to the animal 119.The quick release feature allows the system 100 quickly release theanimal, as well as be easily moved from one vehicle to another. Otherattachment devices may be substituted for both the slide hook 116 andthe buckle hook 118, for example, swivel hooks, clasps, carabineers,shackles, or other similar hardware to operably attach to rings, hooks,or other attachment hardware in the vehicle or on the animal 119. Insome embodiments, the hooks 116, 118 may include a flexible bar closingthe hook. The flexible bar may be easily deformed inwards (towards thecrook of the hook), opening a passage for connecting the hook to a baror ring and then closing the hook around the ring when released.Additionally, although the slide hooks 116 and the buckle hooks 118 havebeen illustrated herein, other securing mechanisms may be used either incombination with the slide hooks 116 and/or buckle hooks 118. Forexample, the vertical strap 130 may use hooks a as the slide hook 116,while the angled straps 116 may include carabineer clasps as theirsecuring devices 116 at the free ends.

Another embodiment of the pet restraint system 140 is depicted in FIG. 4and is configured for installation to a front seat or other single,bucket-type seat 180 (e.g., a middle seat in a minivan) with a headrest143 in a vehicle. In this embodiment, a vertical strap 146 extends alongthe front of the seatback 181 and over the top 141 of the seat 180,underneath the headrest 143. The two ends of the vertical strap 146 maybe held together by a tether buckle 128 that may be used to adjust thetotal length of the vertical strap 146 and tighten the vertical strap146 around the seatback 181. As shown in FIG. 4, the tether buckle 128is positioned on the back side of the seatback 181. However, the tetherbuckle 128 may be positioned anywhere along the seatback 181 for ease ofaccess.

The tether buckle 128 tightens the vertical strap 146 against the seat139, so that the system 139 may not substantially move. This secures thevertical strap 146 to the seat, as it may wrap around the entire cushionof the seatback 181 and be tightened. In other embodiments, the verticalstrap 146 may be fixed to an anchor point (e.g., an attachment ring orsupport bar for the seat 180) under the front seat 180.

In some embodiments, the vertical strap 146 may be secured at the top141 of the seatback 181 to the headrest 143 to prevent the verticalstrap 146 from drifting or slipping around the seatback 181 and out ofoptimal position foe securing a pet. For vehicles that have a removableheadrest 143, the vertical strap 146 may have a tab 144 that is affixedto a post strap 142 that attaches to the posts 149 of the headrest 143.For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the post strap 142 may define loopedsegments on each lateral end configured to receive one of the headrestposts 149. The headrest posts 149 pass through the loops in the poststrap 142 and when the headrest 143 is secured in place in the seatback181, the post strap 142 is secured in place on top 141 of the seatback181 and prevents the vertical strap 146 from rotating around theseatback 181. In this manner, the pet restraint system 146 issubstantially secured in the vertical direction. In other embodiments inwhich the vertical strap 146 is connected to an attachment structure inthe vehicle, the post strap 142 may not be necessary to prevent suchvertical rotation.

Two restraining straps 156, 158 are attached to the vertical strap 146at two restraining attachment points 160, 164, respectively, spacedapart along the length of the vertical strap 146 and positioned on thefront of the seatback 181. The restraining straps 156, 158 may beconfigured similar to the securing strap 122, and secure an animal tothe restraint system 140 at least two points. The restraining straps156, 158 are secured to the vertical strap 146 at the attachment points160, 164, for example, by sewing the restraining straps 156, 158 to thevertical strap 146 at these locations. Other methods of attachment,e.g., adhesive, staples, clasps, or other hardware may be used.

The restraining straps 156, 158 may be configured to be secured to a petvia buckle hooks 118. Additionally, the buckle hooks 118 (as with thefirst embodiment of the system 100) also allow the restraining straps156, 158 to be adjusted. The buckle hooks 118 may be used to increase ordecrease the length of each restraining strap 150, 158, allowing therestraint system 140 to accommodate a variety of different animal sizes.In these embodiments, the top restraining strap 156 may restrain a topportion of the animal and the bottom restraining strap 158 may restraina bottom portion of the animal.

Another embodiment of the pet restraint system 150 is shown in FIG. 5.This embodiment may be used in conjunction with a bucket seat 180 thatdoes not have a removable headrest. In these embodiments a horizontalstrap 190 may be used to reduce the likelihood of rotation of thevertical strap 146 around the seatback 181. The vertical strap 146 mayextend over the top of the seatback and 181 under the seatback 181through the bight. The ends of the vertical strap 146 may be heldtogether by a tether buckle 128 that may be used to adjust the totallength of the vertical strap 146 and tighten the vertical strap 146around the seatback 181. In another embodiment, the vertical strap 146may additionally include an slide hook or clip to secure the strap 146to an attachment structure on the floor of the vehicle or underneath theseat 180 on the seat frame.

The vertical strap 146 may be attached to the horizontal strap 190 atattachment points 188 to a headrest strap 190. The horizontal strap 190may be a continuous loop and extend around the sides 179 of the seatback181 to fit snugly in a position in which the perimeter of the seatback181 is the same as the circumference of the horizontal strap 190. In analternate embodiment (not shown), the horizontal strap 190 may have twoends that are held together by a tether buckle 128 in a similar mannerto the vertical strap 146 as described above, thereby allowing thehorizontal strap to be tightened about any part of the seatback 181.

Two restraining straps 156, 158 are attached to the vertical strap 146at two restraining attachment points 160, 164, respectively, spacedapart along the length of the vertical strap 146 and positioned on thefront of the seatback 181. The restraining straps 156, 158 may beconfigured similar to the securing strap 122, and secure an animal tothe restraint system 150 at least two points. The restraining straps156, 158 are secured to the vertical strap 146 at the attachment points160, 164, for example, by sewing the restraining straps 156, 158 to thevertical strap 146 at these locations. Other methods of attachment,e.g., adhesive, staples, clasps, or other hardware may be used.

The restraining straps 156, 158 may be configured to be secured to a petvia buckle hooks 118. Additionally, the buckle hooks 118 (as with thefirst embodiment of the system 100) also allow the restraining straps156, 158 to be adjusted. The buckle hooks 118 may be used to increase ordecrease the length of each restraining strap 150, 158, allowing therestraint system 150 to accommodate a variety of different animal sizes.In these embodiments, the top restraining strap 156 may restrain a topportion of the animal and the bottom restraining strap 158 may restraina bottom portion of the animal.

FIG. 6 illustrates an implementation of a harness 200, also shown on thedog 119 in FIGS. 1 and 2, that may be used in conjunction with the petrestraint system embodiments 100, 140, 150 described above. The harness200 may be configured to wrap around the body of the pet 119. Theharness 200 may be adjustable to accommodate a variety of animal types,sizes as well as breeds. Additionally, the harness 200 may be made in avariety of sizes (e.g., small, medium, and large) using a variety ofwidths/strengths of belting to accommodate various animal sizes andweights while still adhering to the same basic design. The harness 200may include a collar 202, chest belts 210, back straps 204, and variouspieces of hardware 206, 212, 216. The collar 202 and chest belts 210wrap around portions of the animal 119 and the back straps 204 restalong the back of the animal 119. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, theback straps 204 run along the back of the dog 119. As shown in FIG. 2,the chest straps 210 wrap around the neck and the chest of the dog 119.

The collar 202 may wrap around a neck area of the animal 119, e.g., asshown in FIG. 2. The ends of the collar 202 may be held together using acollar buckle 219. On end of the collar 202 may be formed as a closedloop threaded through a slot in the collar buckle 219 that has anopening along one edge that allows for quick release of the loop. Theother end of the collar 202 may be threaded through slots in the collarbuckle 219 to provide generally fixed, but adjustable, attachment. Theconfiguration of an exemplary collar buckle is presented below in thedescription of FIG. 15.

The collar 202 may also be operably connected to the chest straps 210via the collar buckle 219. The collar buckle 219 includes a ring portion270 that connects with a hook portion of 222 of a chest hook 206operably connected to the chest straps 210 as further described below.Thus, the collar 202 may position a portion of the chest straps 210 atthe animal's chest and prevent the harness 200 from sliding downwardsand/or out of a desired position on the animal. For example, as shown inFIG. 2, the collar buckle 219 is attached to the chest hook 206 whichsupports the chest straps 210 and positions the chest straps 210 at thechest of the dog 119.

The collar 202 is also operably connected to the back straps 204. Thecollar 202 may be threaded through a loop at a first end of each of theback straps 204. In other embodiments, the collar 202 may be fixedlyattached via stitching, staples, adhesive, or the like to the backstraps 204.

The back straps 204 run along a backside of the animal. The back straps204 provide support and/or a connection location for the collar 202 andthe chest straps 2010. The back straps 204 may be operably connectedtogether via a web 208 of material. The back straps 204 are also affixedto the chest straps 210 at a front location 220. The front location 220is near the animal's head when the hardness 200 is inserted around theanimal. The back straps 220 are then fixedly connected to a connectorstrap 214 at a back location 218. The back location 218 is near theanimal's rear when inserted into the harness 200. The back location 218and the forward location 220 may secure a portion of each back strap 204to itself, creating a loop. In some implementations, the two back straps204 may be secured to the themselves and the collar 202 may be threadedthrough the loop created. This then connects the collar 202 to the backstraps 204 and holds the back straps 204 in position on the back of theanimal.

The web 208 connects the two back straps 204 together. The web 208 maybe constructed out of mesh, fabric, foam, or any flexible fabric.Additionally, the web 208 may include support structures, such asbelting, wires, etc., to provide additional support and strength to thematerial. For example, if the fabric is weak (e.g., loose mesh), extrasupport straps/belts may be sewn into the web 208 providing additionalstrength.

The chest straps 210 wrap partially around an animal's back and theninserted behind the front legs of the animal. After being insertedbehind the front legs, the chest straps 210 are threaded through a chesthook 206. The chest hook 206 may be located at or near the animal'schest and is operably connected to the collar 202. After exiting thechest hook 206, the chest 210 straps exit and travel up the animal'sstomach to connected with the connector strap 214. In this embodiment,the chest straps 210 remain on a single side. In other words, the cheststraps 210 are threaded behind the animal's front legs and thenconnected to the connector strap 214 near the back legs of the animal onthe same side.

In some embodiments, as shown, the chest straps 210 may be a singlestrap that is threaded through around an animal's body via connectors.However, in other embodiments, the chest straps 210 may be separatestraps operably connected together. For example, one strap may wraparound a shoulder of the animal and then connect to a second strap thatmay wrap around the chest of the animal.

A securing ring 212 may be threaded on the chest strap 210 between thetwo back straps 204. Similarly, a securing ring 212 may also be threadedon the connector strap 214 between the two back straps 204. The securingring 212 may be used to secure the animal to the securing strap 122, theangled straps 112, the restraining straps 150, 158 or the like.

The connector strap 214 may be operably connected to the chest straps210 via a quick-release buckle 216. The quick-release buckle 216 maysecure the chest straps 210 to the connector strap 214, but also allowsthe connector strap 214 to easily slide off. These embodiments allow auser to quickly and easily remove the animal from the harness 200. Forexample, rather than sliding the collar 202 and chest straps 210 off theanimal, the user simply slides the connector strap 214 off thequick-release buckle 216. Once the connector strap 214 is disconnectedthe harness 200 may be slid over the animal's head, withoutdisconnecting other straps and/or connectors.

The collar 202, the chest belt 210, the connector strap 214 and the backstraps 204 may be adjustable, allowing the harness 200 to expand as theanimal grows, or be able to be used with different animals. For example,adjustment connectors/clasps may be included along the length of any ofthe straps. The collar 202, chest belt 210, connector strap 214, andback straps 204 may be made of a strong, woven fabric, for example, awoven belt material, or other materials including cables, rope, orextruded materials with high tensile strength.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the pet restraint system 100 attached to a dog119 via the harness 200. The dog 119 may be secured to the seat 102 viathe pet restraint system 100. The harness 200 fits over the dog's 119body and the slide hooks 116 and/or buckle hooks 118 of the restraintsystem 100 are secured to the harness 200. For example, the slide hook116 operably connected to the securing strap 122 may be connected to thesecuring ring 212 on the front of the harness 200.

As can be seen from the FIGS. 1 and 2, the system 100 may be configuredto allow the dog 119 some movement, but substantially prevents largemovements forwards or sideways. Essentially, the dog 119 is preventedfrom moving farther than the length of the angled straps 112 and/or thesecuring strap 122. This prevents the dog 119 from being thrownthroughout the vehicle in the event or an accident or suddenmovement/stopping.

FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of the pet restraint device. Inthis embodiment, the pet restraint system 300 may be used with a benchseat. The pet restraining device 300 may be used to secure multipleanimals or secure a single animal at different points along its body.The pet restraint system 300 includes a seat strap 312, securing straps302 a-302 d, slide hooks 304 a-304 d, and attachment straps 310. Theseat strap 312 rests along an upper surface of the bottom seat cushion317 and is secured to manufacturer attachment structures in the bight307 of the seat 313 via the slide hooks 304 a-304 d. The slide hooks 304a-304 d may be substantially similar to slide hook 116 and/or bucklehook 118, illustrated in FIGS. 1-3. In some embodiments, the seat strap312 may run the entire length of the seat 313 and be substantially flushagainst the bottom cushion 317. The seat strap 312 is secured inmultiple connections via the slide hooks 304 a-304 d.

The seat strap 312 is operably connected to one or more securing straps302 a-302 d. The securing straps 302 a-302 d may either wrap around theseat strap 312 or may be attached to the seat strap 312 via attachmentstraps 310. In either embodiment, the securing straps 302 a-302 d maywrap around a portion of an animal's (or object's) body. The ends of thesecuring straps 302 a-302 d are attached toe quick release buckles 308and are adjustable threaded at a first end and attached in an open slotvia a loop 312 or other connection mechanism at a second end. The loop312 may be used to quickly attach and release the securing straps 302a-302 d around the animal while the other end of the straps securingstraps 302 a-302 d may be adjusted for length. In one exemplaryimplementation, the first securing strap 302 a may wrap around a dog'storso directly behind its front legs and the second securing strap 302 bmay wrap around the dog's torso directly in front of its back legs. Inthese embodiments the dog may be secured in two locations.

In other embodiments, a single securing strap 302 a-302 d may be usedseparately to secure an animal to the seat 313. This may allow multipleanimals (or objects) to be secured via the pet restraint system 300. Forexample, the first securing strap 302 a may be used to wrap around thebody of a first dog, and the third securing strap 302 c may be used towrap around the body of a second dog.

FIG. 8 illustrates a booster seat 400 to be used with the pet restraintsystem for animals that are small and raise their bodies off the seat,for example, to allow the animal to see out the window or have a betterview within the car. Thus, the booster 400 may prevent some animals fromgetting motion sickness or the like. The booster 400 includes a seatcushion 402 that lifts the animal up from the vehicle seat. The cushion402 may have a foam core and be wrapped with a fabric, mesh, or othermaterial. In these embodiments, the booster 400 may also provide acomfortable place for the animal to rest. The cushion 402 may be securedto the seat and/or pet restraint system by a booster strap 404. Thebooster strap 404 may extend snugly around the back side of the cushion402 and be secured to either a seatbelt within the vehicle or the strapsof the pet restraint systems 100, 140, 150 that may be slipped betweenthe booster strap 404 and the cushion 402. In some embodiments, thebooster strap 404 may be sewn onto the cushion 402, or it may be wrappedaround the cushion 402.

In some embodiments, an extended booster strap 406 may extend out fromthe cushion 402 and wrap around a seatback in the vehicle. The ends ofthe extended booster strap 406 may be connected together with a quickrelease buckle 216, a tether buckle (not shown), or any otherappropriate connector that allows the length of the extended boosterstrap 406 to be adjusted and to tighten around the seatback. Further oralternatively, the booster 400 may also include bight straps 408 withbuckle hooks 118 extending from the back of the cushion 402 to securethe booster 400 to a manufacturer attachment structure within the seatbight. Additionally or alternatively, the booster 400 may includeseatbelt straps 410. The seatbelt straps 410 may be connected along thesides of the booster cushion 402. A seatbelt within the vehicle may bethreaded through the seatbelt straps 410 and secured. This may securethe booster 400 on the seat within the vehicle.

FIGS. 9A-15 illustrate a variety of hardware latches, i.e., clips,clasps, hooks, buckles, rings, slides, and other attachment, connection,and adjustment devices that may be used with any of the above petrestraint embodiments and/or the harness 200. The hardware latchesillustrated are just a few embodiments that may be used with the petrestraint device and harness 200, and other devices may also be used.Further, although the pet restraint device embodiments and harness 200have been illustrated with particular hardware latches, any of theconnecting devices illustrated in FIGS. 9A-15 may be used instead asappropriate. In addition, other types of hardware latches notillustrated may also be used. Furthermore, the hardware latchesillustrated may be constructed out of durable materials, such as metal,alloys, plastic and the like.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate the chest hook 206 that may be used to securethe collar 202 to the chest straps 210. The chest hook 206 includes ahook 222 operably connected to a top portion of the slider body 224. Theslider body 224 defines two angled bar apertures 226. In someembodiments the angled bar apertures 226 may receive the chest strap 210in through a first side and the chest strap exists the second side ofthe same angled bar aperture 224. In this embodiment, the angled baraperture 224 allows the chest strap 210 to change directions along theharness 200. The hook 222 may be used to connect over a portion of thecollar 202, securing the collar 202 to the chest straps 210 (see e.g.,FIG. 2).

FIG. 10 illustrates a securing ring 212 that may be used to secure theharness 200 to the securing strap 122, angled straps 112, or therestraining straps 150, 158. The securing ring 212 may include a mainslider body 230 defining two apertures 232 for receiving a strap, e.g.,the connector strap 214. The ring 228 may be D-shaped and when attachedto the slider body 230 forms a receiving aperture. The ring 228 extendsoutward from the slider body 230 and upward at a slight angle from theplane of the slider body 230 to provide an easy configuration forattachment that is not against the body of the animal. The slide hooks116, buckle hooks 118, and other hardware connectors for the petrestraint systems 100, 140, 150 may connect to the D-shaped ring 228.

FIG. 11 illustrates the quick-release buckle 216. The quick-releasebuckle 216 may be used with the harness 200, attaching the connectorstrap 214 to the chest straps 210. The quick-release buckle 216 mayinclude a slider body 234 that defines two strap-receiving apertures, anarrow slot 241 and a wide slot 240, separated by a median bar 242. Thewide slot 240 is capable of easily receiving at least two lengths ofstraps therethrough. The narrow slot 241 and the wide slot 240 areconfigured to allow a strap to thread into one and out the other, suchthat the strap may partially wrap around the median bar 242 and securethe strap to the quick-release buckle 216. The narrow slot 241 and thewide slot 240 also allow the strap length to be adjustable. Thus, thequick-release buckle 216 can be used to secure a strap around the sliderbody 234.

One side of the quick-release buckle 216 opposite the wide slot 240defines a catch aperture 237 bounded by an angled bar 236 that isattached at a bottom side to a bottom wall of the body 234 and astraight bar 244 adjacent the narrow slot 241. A strap exit aperture 288is defined in a top wall of the body 234 between the angled bar 236 andthe straight bar 244. The strap exit aperture 288 allows a loop in aconnector strap 214 to quickly slide on and off the angled bar 236,allowing the harness 200 to be quickly removed. The pitch of the angledbar 236 with respect to the top and bottom wall of the slide body 234helps retain the loop of the connector strap 214 within the catchaperture 237 and resists the possibility of the loop sliding off on itsown, but rather staying secure until a user slides the connector strap214 over the angled bar 236 and through the exit aperture 288.

FIG. 12 illustrates the tether buckle 128. The tether buckle 128 isformed as a rectangular body 246 that defines strap-receiving aperturesin the form of two wide slots 247, 251 bounding each side of a middle,narrow slot 250. The two wide slots 247, 251 are separated from thenarrow slot 250 by two strap bars 267. A strap may be threaded throughthe slots 247, 250, 251 and around the strap bars 248, 252 and may thusbe secured in a fixed position. The wide slots may allow for at leasttwo lengths of strap to pass within their aperture. This provides forconfigurations with a strap having a fixed loop attached to one end ofthe tether buckle 128 threaded through one of the wide slots 247 and asecond strap with a free end threaded through all of the slots 247, 250,251 for an adjustable connection. The tether buckle 128 allows the straplength to be adjusted by moving more strap material through the slots247, 250, 251 and around the strap bars 248, 252 to position more orless of the length of the strap on one side of the tether buckle 128 orthe other. When a strap is appropriately threaded through the slots 247,250, 251 and is pulled taut against the strap bars 248, 252, the tetherbuckle 128 substantially resists movement or slippage of the strapthrough the slots 247, 250, 251.

FIG. 13 illustrates the slide hook 116 and FIG. 14 illustrates thebuckle hook 118. The slide hook 116 and the buckle hook 118 may besubstantially similar. The difference between the two may be that theslide hook 116 may only include a single strap receiving aperture 258,whereas the buckle hook 118 may include multiple strap receivingapertures 264, 266, 268.

The slide hook 116 may receive a strap and/or strap loop within thestrap-receiving aperture 258 and includes a hook portion 254 to attachthe strap to a ring, bar, or other similar structure. The hook portion254 extends distally from the body 256. The body 256 is formed as arelatively rectangular shape that tapers on one side as it extends toform the hook 254. The strap-receiving aperture 258 is defined withinthe body 256 as a narrow, substantially rectangular slot orientedtransverse to the direction of extension of the hook 254.

The buckle hook 118 has substantially the same shape as the slide hook116 and defines a hook 260 that extends from the body 262. However, thearea of the body 262 is larger and defines strap-receiving apertures inthe form of two narrow slots 264, 266 and one wide slot 268. The twonarrow slots 264, 266 are separated from each other by a first strap bar267 and the middle narrow slot 266 and the wide slot are separated by asecond strap bar 267. The multiple strap bars 267 function the same asthe strap bars 248 on the tether buckle 128, i.e., the strap may bethreaded through the slots 264, 266, 268 and around the strap bars 267and secured in a fixed position.

FIG. 15 illustrates the collar buckle 219. The collar buckle 219includes a main body 272 and a ring 270 extending from a bottom edgethereof. The ring 270 may be “D” shaped and configured to receive ahook, clip, clasp, or the like. The ring 270 extends outward from themain body 272 and upward at a slight angle from the plane of the mainbody 230 to provide an easy configuration for attachment that is notagainst the body of the animal. For example, as shown in FIG. 6 the hook222 of the chest connector 206 may attach to the ring 270 to securingthe collar 202 to the chest straps 210.

The connecting body 272 of the collar buckle 219 may be substantiallysimilar to the quick-release the quick-release buckle 216. Theconnecting body 272 may define two strap-receiving apertures, a narrowslot 281 and a wide slot 282, separated by a median bar 280. The wideslot 282 is capable of easily receiving at least two lengths of strapstherethrough. The narrow slot 281 and the wide slot 282 are configuredto allow a strap to thread into one and out the other, such that thestrap may partially wrap around the median bar 280 and secure the strapto the collar buckle 219. The narrow slot 281 and the wide slot 282 alsoallow the strap length to be adjustable. Thus, the collar buckle 219 canbe used to secure a strap around the connecting body 272 as well assecure a hook, clip or the like to the ring 270.

One side of the collar buckle 219 opposite the wide slot 282 defines acatch aperture 277 bounded by an angled bar 274 that is attached at atop side to a top wall of the body 272 and a straight bar 278 adjacentthe narrow slot 281. A strap exit aperture 276 is defined in a bottomwall of the body 272 between the angled bar 274 and the straight bar278. The strap exit aperture 276 allows a loop in a collar 202 toquickly slide on and off the angled bar 274, allowing the collar 202 tobe quickly removed. The pitch of the angled bar 274 with respect to thetop and bottom wall of the body 272 helps retain the loop of the collar202 within the catch aperture 277 and resists the possibility of theloop sliding off on its own, but rather staying secure until a userslides the loop in the collar 202 over the angled bar 274 and throughthe exit aperture 276.

All directional references (e.g., proximal, distal, upper, lower,upward, downward, left, right, lateral, longitudinal, front, back, top,bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, radial, axial, clockwise,and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aidthe reader's understanding of the present invention, and do not createlimitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of theinvention. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected,and joined) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediatemembers between a collection of elements and relative movement betweenelements unless otherwise indicated. As such, connection references donot necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and infixed relation to each other. The exemplary drawings are for purposes ofillustration only and the dimensions, positions, order and relativesizes reflected in the drawings attached hereto may vary.

The foregoing specification, examples, and data provide a completedescription of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments of a petrestraint harness system for vehicles. Although various embodiments ofthe invention have been described above with a certain degree ofparticularity, or with reference to one or more individual embodiments,those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to thedisclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of thisinvention. Other embodiments are therefore contemplated. It is intendedthat all matter contained in the above description and shown in theaccompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only ofparticular embodiments and not limiting. Changes in detail or structuremay be made without departing from the basic elements of the inventionas defined in the following claims.

1. An animal restraint system for installation on a seat within avehicle comprising a first strap oriented vertically and configured torest vertically along a front of a seatback; a first hardware latchattached to a first end of the first strap and configured for connectionto a manufacturer attachment structure positioned generally behind theseatback; a second hardware latch attached to a second end of the firststrap; a second strap attached at a first end to the second hardwarelatch; a third hardware latch attached to a second end of the secondstrap and configured for attachment to a harness device on an animal;two lateral straps fixedly attached to a portion of the second strap atfirst ends and extending downward and laterally from the first endsalong the front of the seatback; a third hardware latch and a fourthhardware latch adjustably attached at intermediate locations alonglengths of the two lateral straps, respectively, and configured forconnection to respective manufacturer attachment structures positionedgenerally within a bight of the seat between the seatback and a seatcushion; a fifth hardware latch and a sixth hardware latch attached tosecond ends of the two lateral straps, respectively, and configured forattachment to a harness device on an animal.